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Addressing loneliness by AI chatbot: a qualitative study of empty-nest elderly.
Fengbo Jiao1, Meiyu Li2, Min Liu3
1School of International Affairs and Public Administration, Ocean University of China, No.238, Songling Road, Qingdao, 266100, People's Republic of China.
BMC Public Health
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Empty-nest older adults use AI chatbots as versatile tools to combat loneliness by expressing themselves, receiving emotional support, and engaging in stimulating activities. These digital companions help restore agency and facilitate social connections.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Artificial Intelligence
Background:
- Loneliness in empty-nest older adults is a significant public health issue.
- The role of AI chatbots in addressing this loneliness is under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how empty-nest older adults utilize AI chatbots for loneliness mitigation.
- Focus on engagement patterns rather than effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semistructured interviews with 18 participants.
- Analyzed interview transcriptions using thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- AI chatbots served as outlets for self-expression and narrative.
- Fostered emotional care, empathy, and cognitive/recreational stimulation.
- Supported role-playing, informal counseling, and social network reconnection.
Conclusions:
- Gerontechnology conceptualized as a communicative practice.
- AI companions require ethical, accessible, and context-sensitive integration into policy and design.
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